It turns out the best recruiting possible for a coaching staff looking for a running back is to hand off the ball 30 times in a game. While that was certainly not the reasoning Colorado State tailback Gartrell Johnson got 30 carries for 127 yards on Saturday, it did open the eyes of College Desert running back Leonard Mason. So much so that the young man committed to Colorado State on Saturday.

"I liked the team, liked what the coaches are doing with the program," Mason said. "I like the opportunity to come in and replace Gartrell. And 30 carries - I can handle that."

Mason said he should be in Fort Collins for the start of the spring semester and spring practice. Although Colorado State was his only scholarship offer, Mason was also hearing from UCLA, Arizona State and Oregon State.

Mason took the road less chosen in getting to Fort Collins. After high school he attended Citrus College in Glendale, Cal. for a year and led the team in rushing, while placing fifth in the nation on the ground with 1,200 yards and added another 250 in receiving yards. During Citrus' first day in pads of Mason's sophomore year he fractured his leg and decided to transfer. This season he rushed for over 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns in leading College of the Desert to a 9-1 mark.

"And there is more to come," laughed Mason, eluding to his team's Orange County Bowl game this weekend against Santa Ana Community College.

Adam Seymor was Mason's host this weekend and Larry Lewis has handled the recruitment of Mason who has been in touch with the Rams for a few months.

"I feel like I am an all-purpose back who can come in and do it all - blocking, catching out of the backfield and running," Mason said.